| If you are thinking of buying a car the first really | | | | how much you will have to pay for fuel if you have a |
| important question is 'what sort of a car should I be | | | | long commute. Maybe a smaller car with good fuel |
| looking for?' Some of the questions that need to | | | | economy might be better than a big, gas guzzler. |
| asked before you rush off are about affordability, | | | | Conversely, if you have a lot of kids, dogs etc., a |
| lifestyle and where your life is heading. Answer these | | | | small car might make life difficult for you! |
| and the choice of a car will be made much easier. | | | | Another factor in lifestyle, is where do you live? |
| What type of car should I buy is a pretty common | | | | Does the sun shine all day, every day, or does it |
| question and a good one to ask before you actually | | | | pour with rain, hail and snow? You need to choose |
| do buy a car. It's amazing how many people don't | | | | the right car for your climate. |
| ask themselves this question and end up spending | | | | The last thing you need to consider when answering |
| way too much money on cars that are simply | | | | the 'what type of car should I buy' question is, where |
| impractical for their life. | | | | is your life heading? If you think ahead a bit about |
| The first thing to consider is how much money you | | | | your job will you be staying or moving on |
| can afford to spend on a new car. You need to | | | | somewhere else), time of life (thinking of starting a |
| work out out how you can afford to spend each | | | | family or retiring) it will give you some insight into the |
| month for the next three to five years in | | | | type of car that you might need. After all it would be |
| repayments. As well as working out how much you | | | | no good if you get a two seater and then need |
| will need for a down payment. Once you do that, | | | | room for a baby. |
| you'll be able to figure out how expensive a car you | | | | By answering the questions on affordability, lifestyle |
| can buy. | | | | and where your life is heading, you will be able to |
| After you have worked out how much you can | | | | make a good decision about the type of car that |
| afford you need to look at your lifestyle. Think of | | | | you should buy. |